2013 Innovation Summit
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Tony Cole, FireEye Global Government CTO, Rick Geritz, Chairman CyberMaryland, Robert Rodriguez, Chairman SINET, David Scholtz, CEO Damballa, Heather Rodriguez, Dominick Murray, Maryland Secretary of Business & Economic Development, Jim Johnson, CEO Tripwire, Bob Ackerman, Managing Director & Founder Allegis Capital, Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
A Day At The Races...
May 17, 2013
An undefined race is on for who will lead our nation's Cybersecurity endeavors and Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland is at the vanguard of these efforts. The Governor hosted an intimate meeting for the below Cybersecurity thought leaders at Pimlico Race Track during the Preakness Stakes weekend. Governor O'Malley, an entrepreneur at heart himself has led the rapidly growing CyberMaryland program for the last three years. An initiative designed to reignite innovation & entrepreneurism, support small business and create jobs that will lead to economic prosperity not only for the great State of Maryland but for the Beltway region. There are similarities between Maryland and how Silicon Valley was birthed back in the 50's; a strong government and large system integration (LSIs) customer base, in this case; NSA, DISA, US CyberCommand, LSIs etc. outward facing universities such as the University of Maryland System and John Hopkins along with innovative trailblazers such as Dr. Freeman Hrabowski at UMBC. In addition, a critically important factor driving Maryland's success is the Senate and Congressional leaders who are also supporting these efforts through the 90 Million dollar InvestMaryland venture program to seed early stage companies along with a new Cybersecurity Tax Credit slated for 2014. Maryland also has the possibility to be the "Ellis Island" for foreign companies who desire to conduct business in our nation. Having mentioned these important attributes...at the heart and the most important piece of fostering success is the very tight and strong group of leaders in Maryland who truly believe in moving from "me to we" in order to build a community of interest and trust. With the exception of risk capital and the unique DNA of Silicon Valley all the ingredients needed to build a Cybersecurity ecosystem are here, just own it, mix it and bake it. The opportunity to advance the security field, create jobs and make our nation's critical infrastructure safe, resilient, robust, secure and trusted is an important task not only for the Governor but for all of us involved in the Cybersecurity domain. I am excited about what Maryland is building and providing through their community of leaders who care deeply about this issue and their State.
Keep Thinking Globally - Act Locally Maryland...
Robert D. Rodriguez
SINET Celebrates it's 7th Annual ITSEF - Inspire - Innovate - Engage
March 20, 2013
This year marked the Seventh Annual SINET IT Security Entrepreneurs¡¯ Forum (ITSEF) at Stanford University. The Forum's theme; Inspire - Innovate - Engage resonated strongly throughout the day in a collegial setting that fostered robust, high level and energetic dialogue. The presence of industry and government thought leaders and their comments on stage were inspiring as well as the common occurrence of the word mission - mission - mission.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive but the secret sauce to SINET is all of you and the diversity, not of color but by the various disciplines each of you bring to the table. Your participation validates the importance of our mission to advance innovation and enable global collaboration between the public and private sectors to defeat cyber security threats.
As builders and leaders of companies we encourage you to think of the higher calling that serves the economic and national security interests of our country. Lets continue together to build communities of interest and trust that create a win for your company, a win for the industry & government and a win for our economic and national security interests. I am hopeful the information and relationships gained at ITSEF will lead you one step closer to success.
Now onto our Innovation Summit - Columbia University on August 6th & the SINET Showcase - Washington DC December 4th & 5th. Innovators please apply now for an opportunity to have your voice heard as a SINET 16 Innovator.
I encourage you to continue to Inspire - Innovate - Engage... .
Robert D. Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez Speaks to the Theft of Intellectual Property by China
What is SINET About?
What's new at SINET
SINET's Innovation Summit - Chicago: Bridging Silicon Valley the Beltway & the Midwest
August 8, 2012
Vice Admiral Michael S. Rogers, Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, Commander, U.S. 10th Fleet
Dr. Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, Science & Technology DirectorateChicago, IL. - August 8, 2012
After a two day tour at the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign(UIUC) five years ago I walked away extremely impressed with the intellectual capacity and infrastructure of this world class institution. Larry Ellison, Marc Andreessen, Ray Ozzie, Max Levchin, Hugh Hefner and many other notables walked these halls and departed to built great companies. As I left the campus I could not help but think that the jets full of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and investment bankers are flying over the corn field and not stopping until they reach the coasts. A missed opportunity as there are many great academic institutions within 240 miles of the UIUC. It is time to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley, the Beltway and the great minds from the Midwest. This is why we chose to host the second annual Innovation Summit in the great city of Chicago. The pioneering entrepreneurs of the early 1800's saw the potential of Chicago as a transportation hub of rivers and lakes. Trade quickly ensued and the emergence as our nation's largest rail and shipping mecca helped grow the commodities business and national retailers Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, Sears soon followed. The innovative use of steel framing led to the invention of the skyscraper, it's world class architecture and the ensuing build out of vertical cities. A robust industrial and manufacturing period built Chicago to what it is today but their dependence on these great legacies created a sense of complacency and the city failed to continue to innovate. Old school politics and culture permeated the streets and it was hard to change until relatively recently where they have done an impressive job of embracing and leading entrepreneurialism and innovation in the knowledge age. Rob Wolcott at the Kellogg Innovation Network, Steve Kaplan at the U of C, Kevin Willer at 1871 and the entrepreneurs. I applaud our Keynote Speakers; Dr. Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate and Vice Admiral Michael Rogers, Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command & U.S. 10th Fleet for embracing change and bringing disparate communities closer together. Their leadership sends an important message on the importance of collaboration and the advancement of innovation through new models. I sense a hunger and need to re-boot in the Midwest and I hope we can help in our own small way...
SINET's Second Visit to the Aspen Institute Security Forum
July 29, 2012
Calling in from Colorado Rockies where I attended the Aspen Institute Security Forum. Clark Ervin, Director of the program and one of the SINET Showcase steering committee members, once again did a fantastic job of bringing in current and past executive policy & decision makers from the Federal Government, private industry and world-class think tanks along with noted print and broadcast journalists. General Alexander, once again delivered informative, impactful and frank remarks about the mission and roles of the National Security Agency & US Cyber Command. He and others also provided an overview of the state of affairs with Cybersecurity:
- Cyber warfare is one of the most potent security threats the United States faces
- On a scale of 1 - 10 on the United States being prepared for a large scale attack against our critical infrastructure we are at a 3
- One of the reasons we are most vulnerable is technology moves to fast, difficult to keep up with it
- Exploits in the mobile space have doubled in one year, this area is lagging behind traditional network security
- Devices and the applications that run on them are the avenue into the network
- Our nation's attack surface continues to expand, making us more vulnerable
- There continues to be a trend of a shift from disruptive to destructive attacks
- Nation and non nation attacks continue to rise
- Attacks on our nation's critical infrastructure have increased 17 fold between the periods 2009 & 2011
- By a slight margin, most attacks are attributed to criminals and hackers over nation state attacks
- The adversaries have gone into our companies and we do not know how large the problem really is
- IP loss is a big concern and problem that needs to be fixed, this is our future and we must ensure our innovative & subsequent market advantage does not fall behind other countries
- As a result the biggest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind is occurring right now, we must continue to innovate while at the same time protect our intellectual property, as it is our future
The topic of cyber is permeating the highest levels of the halls of thought leadership as well as the malls of America and it's time will come when we seriously begin to address the challenge. Legislation is moving, and to some maybe not in the right direction but at least it is moving. We do not have time to wait for perfect, sometimes leadership is about planting a stake in the ground and owning it. All of us involved in the Cybersecurity domain are fortunate. Why? because we are the pioneers who have a responsibility and opportunity to shape the future of this very important domain...Robert D. Rodriguez
SINET Participates at the Economist's Ideas Conference
I participated at the Economist's Ideas Conference in San Francisco last month on panel that simulated a scenario where the United States was under attack. For more, please see below video:
http://youtu.be/du6g__lgS3QRobert D. Rodriguez
Cyber Security Investment Trends for 2012 and Beyond:
What's Hot/ What's Not
To learn the latest in Cybersecurity investment trends, Security Innovation Network (SINET) invited the media to its second annual private press luncheon during the 2012 IT Security Entrepreneurs' Forum (ITSEF) at Stanford University. The venture capitalists who are investing most in security provided an overview of the most relevant market and deals in the space.
Cyber security has moved to the front pages of American's newspapers, the Halls of Congress, the White House and the Board Rooms of major corporations. These dynamics continue to drive the demand for innovative technologies as electronic threats to computer networks and intellectual property have exploded in recent years. With the stakes high, government and corporate customers are stepping up their investments in defensive technologies and preventative measures to secure their digital frontiers.
Global Cybersecurity spending is expected to top $60 billion this year according to the Cyber Security M&A Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The 172 US critical infrastructure organizations surveyed in a study by Bloomberg Government and the Ponemon Institute said that they currently spend $5.3 billion on Cybersecurity and estimated that they would have to spend $46.6 billion over the next 12 to 18 months to reach a level of security where they could stop 95% of cyberattacks. Additionally, the Homeland Security Department would sharply raise spending for Cybersecurity under the White House 2013 budget request to $769 million, up from $459 million this year.
In 2011, there were 150 security-related M&A deals, including Intel's $7.7 billion acquisition of McAfee and Hewlett-Packard's $1.6 billion acquisition of ArcSight, up from 69 deals in 2007. In response to growing customer spending as well as related M&A activity, the venture capital investment community is actively engaged in developing the technologies at the forefront of this battle.
Moderator:- Bob Ackerman, Founder and Managing Director, Allegis Capital
- Ted Schlein, Managing Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers
- Asheem Chandna, Partner, Greylock Partners
- Alberto Ypez, Managing Director,Trident Capital
SINET helps address Cybersecurity by increasing collaboration
- Posted by Corey McCarren on June 26, 2012 at 2:00pm
- View Blog
Cybersecurity is a big deal, especially after the revelations of the role of the United States behind Stuxnet and the Flame virus. We've learned that cyber-infrastructure isn't particularly well protected, and the Security Innovation Network (SINET) is looking to change that through collaboration. Robert Rodriguez of SINET spoke with Chris Dorobek of the DorobekINSIDER about how government is getting serious about Cybersecurity, and what SINET is doing to advance the cause.
Currently, there are about 65 bills on Capitol Hill addressing cyber, which signifies progress in Cybersecurity. Though many government agencies are having their budgets reduced, budgets for Cybersecurity have either flatlined or, in some cases, went up. Also, there are some innovators in the federal government who are bringing change and addressing the importance of Cybersecurity through continued investment in it.
Chris Dorobek noted that it seems like the black-hat hackers (bad guys) in cyber are the superior collaborators when compared to the white-hats (good guys). This is changing, asserts Robert, as he notes that major players in Cybersecurity have begun conversing with one another. Trusted cells are being created and connected to each other; it would be great if these cells could somehow connect to the Department of Homeland Security. However, trust doesn't scale well, and a larger information sharing platform may be more difficult to control.
SINET is all about the advancement of innovation in the Cybersecurity domain. There are events and programs held by SINET which bridge the gap between silicon valley, beltway insiders, and academia. Information sharing and collaboration are important tools in the Cybersecurity war. There is also a mentorship program and a consulting advisory service. These programs help Cybersecurity companies understand what it means to get government contracts and how to do just that.
To listen to Robert Rodriguez's entire interview, you can catch the full radio show at GovLoop Insights or you can subscribe to our iTunes channel.
http://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/sinet-helps-address-Cybersecurity-by-increasing-collaboration
The Wall Street Journal
Taking the Cyberattack Threat Seriously
Last month I convened an emergency meeting of my cabinet and top homeland security, intelligence and defense officials. Across the country trains had derailed, including one carrying industrial chemicals that exploded into a toxic cloud. Water treatment plants in several states had shut down, contaminating drinking water and causing Americans to fall ill.
Our nation, it appeared, was under cyber attack. Unknown hackers, perhaps a world away, had inserted malicious software into the computer networks of private-sector companies that operate most of our transportation, water and other critical infrastructure systems.
Fortunately, last month's scenario was just a simulation-an exercise to test how well federal, state and local governments and the private sector can work together in a crisis. But it was a sobering reminder that the cyber threat to our nation is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face.
So far, no one has managed to seriously damage or disrupt our critical infrastructure networks. But foreign governments, criminal syndicates and lone individuals are probing our financial, energy and public safety systems every day. Last year, a water plant in Texas disconnected its control system from the Internet after a hacker posted pictures of the facility's internal controls. More recently, hackers penetrated the networks of companies that operate our natural-gas pipelines. Computer systems in critical sectors of our economy-including the nuclear and chemical industries-are being increasingly targeted.
It doesn't take much to imagine the consequences of a successful cyber attack. In a future conflict, an adversary unable to match our military supremacy on the battlefield might seek to exploit our computer vulnerabilities here at home. Taking down vital banking systems could trigger a financial crisis. The lack of clean water or functioning hospitals could spark a public health emergency. And as we've seen in past blackouts, the loss of electricity can bring businesses, cities and entire regions to a standstill.
This is the future we have to avoid. That's why my administration has made Cybersecurity a priority, including proposing legislation to strengthen our nation's digital defenses. It's why Congress must pass comprehensive Cybersecurity legislation.
We all know what needs to happen. We need to make it easier for the government to share threat information so critical-infrastructure companies are better prepared. We need to make it easier for these companies-with reasonable liability protection-to share data and information with government when they're attacked. And we need to make it easier for government, if asked, to help these companies prevent and recover from attacks.
Yet simply sharing more information is not enough. Ultimately, this is about security gaps that have to be filled. To their credit, many of these companies have boosted their cyber defenses. But many others have not, with some lacking even the most basic protection: a good password. That puts public safety and our national security at risk.
The American people deserve to know that companies running our critical infrastructure meet basic, commonsense Cybersecurity standards, just as they already meet other security requirements. Nuclear power plants must have fences and defenses to thwart a terrorist attack. Water treatment plants must test their water regularly for contaminants. Airplanes must have secure cockpit doors. We all understand the need for these kinds of physical security measures. It would be the height of irresponsibility to leave a digital backdoor wide open to our cyber adversaries.
This approach stays true to our values as a society that cherishes free enterprise and the rights of the individual. Cybersecurity standards would be developed in partnership between government and industry. For the majority of critical infrastructure companies already meeting these standards, nothing more would be expected. Companies needing to upgrade their security would have the flexibility to decide how best to do so using the wide range of innovative products and services available in the marketplace. Moreover, our approach protects the privacy and civil liberties of the American people. Indeed, I will veto any bill that lacks strong privacy and civil-liberties protections.
This is exactly the kind of responsible, collaborative approach to an urgent national-security challenge that Americans expect but that Washington too rarely provides. It reflects the insights and ideas of industry and civil libertarians. It is sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators. It is supported by current and former homeland security, intelligence and defense leaders from both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Today we can see the cyber threat to the networks upon which so much of our modern American lives depend. We have the opportunity-and the responsibility-to take action now and stay a step ahead of our adversaries. For the sake of our national and economic security, I urge the Senate to pass the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 and Congress to send me comprehensive legislation so I can sign it into law.
It's time to strengthen our defenses against this growing danger.
Mr. Obama is president of the United States.
More Data. Open Innovation. Safer Internet. Security Zen...
June 27, 2012
SINET & SAIC are hosting an Apps for Security day in conjunction with the Amphion Forum in Washington DC on Wednesday, June 27th. If you're passionate about Security and the Internet of Things, this is the hackathon for you!
FREE Registration:
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SecurityInnovationNe/5473a0945d/TEST/72b9a6c3d0
If you have ideas for creating a safer internet through open data, collaborative innovation, and a dash of entrepreneurship, then come participate in Apps for Security.
We will spend the day BUILDING privacy and security enhancing apps leveraging the data, SDK, and APIs kindly offered up by our data providers: Mocana, SAIC, and the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate.
We are looking for developers, data scientists, designers, policy makers, elected officials, students, and of course-- privacy and security practitioners. Regardless of your skills or interest, we're encouraging participation from people and organizations who would like to make a difference in privacy and security online.
Apps for Security: Internet of Things Edition - The second in a series of Apps for Security Hackathons, the goal of Apps for Security is to promote civic engagement, open innovation, and entrepreneurship while making us all safer and more secure in cyberspace...
Hart Rossman CTO SAIC & Robert Rodriguez
Apps for Security
A View from the Point - The United States Military Academy
June 20, 2012
I recently attended the 59th annual Senior Conference hosted by the United States Military Academy at West Point. Fifty executive leaders representing NSA, DNI, DHS, DoD, NIST, System Integrators, large corporations, small companies and academia were in the room. The who's' who of the Cybersecurity domain represented a powerful example of thought leadership within the public private partnership arena to share their perspectives on the most important threat to our nation. On a Sunday morning I ran to the "Point" and tuned in my iPhone to listen to General Douglas MaCarthur's Thayer Award Speech, his voice quietly roaring like the old lion in winter with a tone & cadence of rare wisdom, my favorite of all revered speeches. http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/douglasmacarthurthayeraward.html I reflected on his words and what the academy represents, Duty, Honor, and Country. It set the stage for this program and the importance of what we do within the Cybersecurity domain, it's mission and the higher calling to be above the fray: "moving from me to we, to us against them, the adversary." An institution that is 210 years old and has produced our country's most respected military leaders; Lee, "Stonewall" Jackson, Grant, Pershing, Patton, MacArthur, Petraeus and on...The Corp's favorite expression: "much of the history we teach was made by people we taught" points to the significance of looking back in order to move forward in a manner that will ensure the preservation of our nation's most basic basics freedoms and principals.
Leadership emanating from the venerable thick stone walls and the Long Gray Line is ever present, potential summer recruits, raw out of high school walking in formation with their backpacks heavy on their shoulders trying to figure out if this place is right for them, dictate what General MacArthur stated in 1962; "what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be..." and for some, never be... For those of us in the Cybersecurity domain the time is now for us to evangelize the importance of our role as leaders within this critical space. To empower others to go back to their offices within the government & industry both large and small to "THINK" about the problem differently and to not be afraid of change or to lead change. SINET encourages the communities it touches to think of the higher calling that serves the economic and national security interests of our country in order to preserve and protect our way of life. I was honored and humbled to walk upon the grounds of the USMA... Robert D. Rodriguez
The Power of Diversity and Collaboration - Morocco
April 6, 2012
In the city of Marrakech thousands of satellite discs rest on rooftops amongst the background of minarets and hazy sunlight skies - keeping the Moroccan people connected to the world. A bustling city of mopeds and riders with donkeys pulling carts weaving in and out of the snarls of traffic seamlessly, without incident. Capitalism at its finest, no one is idle, bartering vegetables, berries and nuts on every street corner and in the Sooks - a massive maze of cobblestoned walkways that make England's garden hedge maze child's play in the navigation to exit. Sunshine is not their desire, rather it is rain and what it brings; agriculture, food, economy, jobs, nourishment, health and the basics essentials of life - sustenance, they have their priorities straight. A fascinating and amazing place where for thousands of years Christians, Jews and Muslims have lived in harmony and peace, the power of diversity and collaboration working together. An incredible experience and what I loved the most were the people.
Why was I in Morocco? In a prior life I served as a Special Agent for 22 years with the United States Secret Service (USSS) where one of my assignments was to protect the President of the United States (POTUS). National Geographic is currently filming a documentary on the USSS Presidential Detail and the producers asked if I would travel to Rabat to recount a trip I took with President Clinton who was in attendance for King Hassan's funeral. The King was highly revered as he was instrumental in keeping peace in the middle east for decades and 60 Kings, Queens, Princes, Ministers and Presidents were in attendance. All participated in a two mile funeral procession surrounded by two million screaming emotional people in the heat of summer. This mission lasted 36 hours and had its elements of high risk and to say the least, nervous moments. As I arrived home at 3:00 in the morning the following day I looked up and noticed the glowing full moon, the same one I saw only hours before in Morocco as I was climbing the rear steps of Air Force One getting ready to fly home-sweet-home. To be aired in late September... Robert D. Rodriguez
6th Annual SINET IT Security Entrepreneurs' Forum
March 30, 2012
Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security
Robert J. Carey, Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer, US Department of Defense
Robert Rodriguez, Chairman & Managing Principal, SINET
DHS S&T and SINET hosted the 6th annual IT Security Entrepreneurs' Forum at Stanford University last week. After a solid week of downpours, the sun broke out and welcomed our guests to the spirit of Silicon Valley and what it represents: Entrepreneurialism & Innovation. The energy was high, the networking robust and many business cards where exchanged. I have already received feedback that numerous meetings will be taking place in our nation's capital. This is the essence of the day as we continue to drive innovation through collaboration models. Perhaps there is a marriage, maybe not...but at least increased awareness was achieved for both the builder and the buyer. This Forum represents the SINET public private partnership formula at it's finest: Top Down - Bottom Up, Mutually Beneficial Relationships that are Trust Based. The presence of senior executive leadership from the Beltway sent a wonderful and powerful message to the representatives in the room, in particular to the entrepreneur: What you do is not only important to me but important to our country's national security interests...
Robert D. Rodriguez
SINET Perspectives on RSA 2012
March 12, 2012
I was one of many who attended this year's RSA event. Yes, the frenzied pace at RSA was apparent and I do not suspect the world of Cybersecurity to go away anytime soon. I hope the many newcomers and veterans in this space recognize the importance of the lofty standard we must abide by within our domain. It is one thing to be an entrepreneur who makes and sells cupcakes; it is another to invent, build & sell security and risk management solutions that protect our nation's 18 deemed critical infrastructures, command & control systems, privacy and ultimately our most basic freedoms. I hope the "smell of green" does not make people forget that they have a higher calling to our nation as Cybersecurity professionals and that they remain resilient in their sense of purpose and commitment to this ultimate cause. The time is now to collaborate. Not only with people but also with the best of class technologies. In order to be successful at both, we must move from me to we to us against them, the adversary...
Robert D. Rodriguez
Showcase Highlights the SINET 16 at the National Press Club...
October 25 & 26, 2011
General Keith B. Alexander, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command & Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service, & Robert D. Rodriguez, Chairman and Managing Principal, SINET
Robert D. Rodriguez, Chairman and Managing Principal, SINET, & His Excellency Jaak Aaviksoo, Minister of Education and Research, Republic of Estonia
As I fly home from Washington DC I am reflecting on our latest program...The SINET Showcase - Washington DC. Leadership once again set the stage through their mere presence on the importance of collaboration models and innovation. General Keith Alexander, Director of the National Security Agency & Commander of U.S. Cyber Command (VIDEO CLIP HERE) called for increased collaboration among the government, industry and America's allies in developing more defensible networks to confront escalating global cyber threats. His Excellency Jaak Aaviksoo, Minister of Education & Research, Republic of Estonia called for the same and for us to conduct basic Cybersecurity hygiene. A true Cyber warrior, having served as the Minster of Defense for the first nation to engage in Cyber warfare. Both spent time at the evening reception mingling and speaking with the entrepreneurs' in the room.
A diverse audience of representatives from Federal Government, private industry, system integration, entrepreneurial, investment, intelligence, legal, policy and our military communities came to see these global leaders and watch the SINET 16 present. How does one advance innovation? A start is to begin by increasing awareness between buyers, builders, researchers and investors of companies that may not otherwise be on one's radar. Who knows where the next great garage company lies, just like the beginnings of Hewlett Packard, the Google Boys in their apartment and Jobs - Wozniak when they began their journey. These visionaries took risks, believed, and they never, ever gave up.
This month America lost one of it's greatest innovators. His vision re-shaped the landscape of conventional business models and brought change to the world in more ways than just leading edge technologies, he lived a philosophy that embodied the below and his passion drove him to be the best, I cannot begin to give him justice in prose so I share the below excerpt from his commencement speech to the Stanford University Class of 2005...
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." - Steve Jobs
The challenges we face in the cyber domain will not be addressed traversing the road most traveled but the one less traveled and I ask you to think about the way you go about the business of security: are you making a difference, are you exploring new approaches, taking reasonable risk or living the status quo? New models are in order and when it comes to the advancement of innovation, America cannot afford to leave any stone unturned. I ask you to explore open innovation ideals, embrace collaboration models, re-evaluate the way you view risk and help re-invigorate the importance of public private partnerships both domestically and globally. Thank you to the entrepreneurs of the world and to the SINET 16; keep believing and never, ever give up. Only when we take risk, can we truly alter the world... Robert D. Rodriguez
SINET & The Department of Homeland Security - Science & Technology Directorate hosts Inaugural Innovation Summit at MIT
October 5, 2011
SINET traveled to Boston to host their inaugural Innovation Summit at the MIT Faculty Club. The diversity in the room was robust, not just in color but from heterogeneous backgrounds; scientist, academics, investment bankers, venture capitalists, small & big business and representation of leaders from Washington DC - the Federal Government. Attendees were engaged, all stayed the entire day and Government executives exhibited leadership by their mere presence; Dr. Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary, Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate, Dawn Meyerriecks, Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Acquisition, Technology & Facilities ODNI and Dr. Douglas Maughan, Division Director, Cybersecurity, Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate. We were also privileged to have Dr. Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School and Author of the Innovator's Dilemma and the Disrupting Class, deliver a thought provoking keynote. Over the years there has been much banter about the problem, that someone needs to do something, who is in charge...and with little action. Lately, I am sensing change is in the air, that it is us, the individuals in the Cybersecurity space who are in the early stages of a transformation from building a community of interest & trust to a movement, albeit very, very small, nonetheless a shift in attitude. There appears to be a stronger passion that is percolating to collectively solve a really, really hard problem, protection of the Internet and all the things that go with it. To paraphrase Dr. Christensen; "Sometimes the crucial issue is not about responding to a customer's stated needs but instead focusing on a full understanding of the problem that needs to be solved." I love Boston in the Autumn...Robert D. RodriguezSINET Moderates 9/11 Keynote Panel at the Global CIO Executive Summit
September 11, 2011
I moderated the 9/11 keynote panel at the Global CIO Executive Summit. 175 CIOs of Fortune 500 companies were in attendance from corporate giants such as Chevron, General Electric, Toyota and on...Although the theme: ENGAGE - INFLUENCE - TRANSFORM set the tone for the Summit, it was the following words that resonated throughout the event; explore open innovation, embrace collaboration models, social revolution, change and the need to re-evaluate risk...to take more, not less. The digital age has catapulted us into the knowledge age as we work, play and socialize with information overload. We must adapt to the speed of these transformations and embrace change and do so quickly or we will ultimately face dire consequences. Our esteemed panelists discussed how the business of security has evolved over the last ten years since that fateful day. Lockheed Martin spoke to the innovative products they are delivering to better enable the warfighter, DNI addressed how new processes & technology are breaking information sharing stovepipes and doing more with less, the Secret Service shared the formula that has created one of the most successful public private partnership models in the nation, their Electronic Crimes Task Forces, and the FAA stated the substantial in roads they have made to secure our skies so we are safer and that another 9/11 never - ever happens again. A big thank you to our public servants who serve with purpose and commitment and the sacrifices they make for our country so we feel safe, secure and free...Robert D. RodriguezSINET interviewed by National Public Radio - KQED on Anonymous Retaliation Against BART
August 16, 2011
Robert Rodriguez was interviewed on BART's decision to shut down cell service to thwart a protest, which has critics charging First Amendment violations. The hacker group known as Anonymous retaliated against BART by breaking into the transit agency's website and posting information about customers. Are BART's actions justified in order to protect passengers? Is hacking a reasonable way to protest? Are there parallels to the crackdowns in Egypt and Syria? -- KQED RadioClick here to listen to the audio.
SINET Attends the Aspen Institute Security Forum
August 1, 2011
I recently returned from Colorado where I attended the Aspen Institute Security Forum. Clark Ervin, Director of the program and one of the SINET Showcase steering committee members, did a fantastic job of bringing in current and past executive policy makers from the Federal Government, private industry, academia and world-class think tanks along with noted print and broadcast journalists. Topics covered a wide spectrum from border, aviation, maritime and nuclear to cyber security, with additional discussions on innovation, counter terrorism, intelligence and the "war on terror." A most beautiful venue to listen to less filtered, important and serious topics related to our nation's homeland security. The mountainous setting enhanced thought provoking and lively group discussions amongst the dark green and silver backed Aspen tree leaves. Memorable, in particular as swift breezes would make the leaves flicker like the sound of a silent era film reel. High compliments to you Clark...Robert D. Rodriguez
SINET Moderates Panel at Amphion Forum - Federal Washington DC
July 20, 2011
As things become more connected - applications, devices & people - we have more to protect...hence more to lose. Everything from servers to toasters and refrigerators in between are becoming more connected and as a result, risk continues to shoot upward. Some of our adversaries have demonstrated the ability to out-innovate us. Now is the time to embrace new models and innovative approaches to defeat these challenges. The below "Change Agents" discussed what they are doing to contribute towards the advancement of innovation and how they are leading collaboration between the public and private sectors to defeat cyber threats. Thank you gentlemen for influencing change in a culture that is not always comfortable with change...Robert D. Rodriguez
Moderator
Robert RodriquezChairman & Managing Principle, SINET
Panel
Hart RossmanVice President & Chief Technology Officer for Cyber Security Solutions, SAIC
Kenneth D. Rogers
Director IT Strategic Planning US Department of State
John Weinshenk
President & CEO, Cenzic, Inc
Donald A. Purdy, Jr. Esq., CISSP
Chief Cybersecurity Strategist, CSC Cybersecurity
SINET, Ernst & Young and Bay Area Council Host the German Ministry of Defense
June 30, 2011
SINET was asked to coordinate a workshop in San Francisco for sixteen IT Security professionals from the German Ministry of Defense, private industry and academia. Interesting and stimulating dialogue ensued on numerous topics to include; The German Underground Scene, Targeted Attacks and Critical Infrastructures (a CIO view from a large German energy company) Malware Analysis and Countermeasures - a research project from the Fraunhofer Institute and other matters of cyber relevance. It was no surprise that their challenges...are the same as our challenges. As I meet new people around the world, the words collaboration, innovation, public private partnerships and sharing of information continue to resonate in all neighborhoods, both domestic and global. This outreach by the Germans is an important step towards building international coalitions with our trusted allies before and not after the fact...Robert D. RodriguezSINET Attends the 28th International Workshop on Global Security
June 19, 2011
I just returned from Paris after attending the 28th International Workshop on Global Security. Ministers and Ambassadors from around the world where in attendance and the hot topic that resonated with everyone was the escalation of the cyber threat moving from exploitation to disruption and onto destruction. Deputy Secretary of Defense Bill Lynn spoke about this and compared the Cold War construct of how the shared warning of air and defense was linked with our key allies and how we must also monitor our IT systems and share information with our trusted global partners. Minister of Defense for France, Gerard Longuet & Peter Luff, Minister for Defense for the United Kingdom addressed the criticality of global collaboration in the cyber age and Minister Jaak Aaviksoo of Estonia discussed his Cyber Defense League model, a public private mutual trust model of critical infrastructure operators and government personnel engaged in a "call to arms" to aide their country in a time of cyber need, a win-win-win formula. Howard Schmidt spoke about the White House International Strategy for Cyberspace. He so rightfully stated that we build an international environment that ensures global networks are open to new innovations, interoperable the world over, secure enough to support people's work, and reliable enough to earn their trust. Workshops like this are invaluable to building global relationships that are mutually beneficial and trust based... Robert D. RodriguezSINET & The Chertoff Group Host Annual Industry - Law Enforcement Dinner
May 18, 2011
Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff & SINET Chairman & Managing Principal, Robert Rodriguez hosted the 5th Annual Private Industry - Law Enforcement dinner in San Francisco, California. This evening represented a series of SINET led global public private partnership gatherings for industry security leaders to collaborate with the heads of Federal, state and local law enforcement. Sixty CISOs, CEOs, Venture Capitalists, Academics and members of the law enforcement community engaged in an excellent discussion and relationship building accompanied by fine wine, cigars and cuisine.SINET joins Bay Area Council Delegation to Washington DC
April 29, 2011
SINET Chairman, Robert Rodriguez helped organize meetings on Capital Hill as the Bay Area Council Cyber Security Delegation
Cyber DC Booklet spent two days meeting with Senate and Congressional Staffers as well as White House Cyber Security Coordinator Howard Schmidt
"The BAC provides cyber security professionals an opportunity to have a voice in shaping and supporting legislation as it is being drafted." Robert D. Rodriguez
SINET Supports National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) to Protect Online Consumers and Support Innovation
April 15, 2011
SINET believes that innovation is a major driver to the national economy and smart, well thought-out policies and initiatives such as the NSTIC contribute to a healthier entrepreneurial environment - leading to enhanced job growth and stronger economic sustainability. Read more.
Video: SINET Showcase and Keynote
October 27, 2010The SINET Showcase is an event that connects emerging security technologies from developers in the private sector to the Federal domain. Please watch and listen to former Secretary of Homeland Security Department, Michael Chertoff present the inaugural Showcase Keynote and Robert Rodriguez, Chairman and CEO of SINET as he delivers opening remarks.
Video: Cyberespionage and Cybercrime Response
May 11, 2010In this video, Robert Rodriguez, chairman and founder of the Security Innovation Network (SINET), discusses the state of cybercrime and cyberespionage, and what enterprises need to do to secure themselves. Robert also gives his take on the appointment of Howard Schmidt as Cybersecurity coordinator.
Upcoming Events:
8/6/2013
2013 SINET Innovation Summit
Columbia University, New York, New York
Agenda | Speakers | Register Now
6/1/2013 - 8/15/2013
Accepting Applications for SINET 16 Class of 2013
12/4/2013 - 12/5/2013
2013 SINET Showcase
National Press Club, Washington D.C.
Register Now | Steering Committee
